Spa Etiquette

THE RESERVATION

Booking Your AppointmentIn most day spas and resorts, it is required to make your reservation ahead of time.Walk-in appointments are possible, but are typically rare occurrences that result from another guest’s last minute cancellation. We suggest you make your appointment without delay. Remember that the stricter your availability, the further in advance you should book. Many guests request evening or weekend appointments due to work schedules, so if you find yourself in that category, it is best to book 3-4 weeks ahead of time.

Booking ProceduresThe necessary information required from a guest depends on the spa and the service you are requesting. Be prepared to answer a few basic questions about yourself and your contact information, as well as have a credit card on hand for securing your reservation. In some places, a down payment is required. Whether your spa requires a down payment or not, this customary procedure protects your esthetician or therapist’s time. The truth is, your therapist needs to be paid for the hour that she has set aside for you whether you show up or not. CancellationsCancellations may vary depending on the location, but a 24-hour notice is standard in luxury day spas and resorts. It may have been excused at your corner nail salon or brow bar, but spas come with a different set of formalities. To avoid any surprises, make sure you ask the booking receptionist about any late cancellation or no-show fees. Nevertheless, emergencies can occur, and in the case of one, most spas are more than accommodating.

YOUR ARRIVAL

Arrive on TimeWe know this seems like the obvious, but it actually can be a bit confusing if you are unaware of what “on time” means according to your day spa or resort. If you are visiting a resort with communal pools and showers, often times you are encouraged to arrive 30-60 minutes prior to your appointment. If you are visiting a day spa, plan on arriving 15 minutes before your appointment for your first visit; there will most likely be some paperwork for you to fill out before your appointment. If you are a regular client, 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment is perfectly fine. Any earlier can make your therapist feel rushed if she is helping another guest. Whether you are a first-time guest or a regular client, take advantage of using the restroom before your therapist calls you for your appointment so that you get every precious second of your relaxation time!

Shhh! It is very easy to forget you are in a spa, especially at the beginning of your appointment. When you come in from a noisy outside, it’s hard to adjust to the quiet inside. Remember that other guests are in treatments, and especially in smaller boutique day spas, sound travels easily. Be mindful of other guests trying to get their zen on, and above all, avoid talking in the hallways.

Turn Off Your Cell PhoneWe know your esthetician is doing an impeccable job, but it doesn’t need to be a part of your Snap Chat story. The work call? It can probably wait an hour. If it can’t, let your therapist know and step outside to take the call. The courtesy of turning off your cell phone is not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of other guests. No one wants to overhear a phone call through the wall during a treatment. Feel free to text and #selfiesunday all you want in the lobby before your appointment, as long as your sound has been turned off. But once you step back into that treatment room, do yourself and everyone else a favor and silence your phone. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.

YOUR TREATMENT

Nudity We are asked quite frequently what our guests should wear (or not?) for their appointments. The answer is simple: just bring yourself, and everything else is provided for you. During facials, you will be given a towel wrap to wear. Under garments are completely optional, as you will be covered the entire time. However, bra straps can get in the way of a good facial service, since your neck and chest are seen as part of your face and are treated during your service. Under garments are also optional for a massage service, although you will be asked to remove your bra. Don’t worry! You are covered with a sheet during your service, and only the part of your body being massaged is exposed at a time. If at any point you are uncomfortable, let your therapist know so she can make any adjustments to help you relax and feel at ease.

Communication is Key In order for you to receive the best, most relaxing treatment possible, your therapist needs you to communicate. Every guest is different and comes with different preferences and desires. Do not be afraid to let your therapist know what you want. Whether you want more or less pressure in a massage, don’t want your esthetician to cover your eyes, want the music to be turned down, etc., accommodations can always be made to make sure you love every moment of your treatment. The same rule applies for talking during your treatment; your therapist will follow your lead. If she doesn’t get the hint, it is perfectly fine to say “I’d really prefer to just take some time to relax now”. We would so much rather you communicate too much than not at all.

CHECKING OUT

Product Recommendations We know that many people can be uncomfortable when it comes to sales. Estheticians are skin care professionals that are trained to identify what your skin needs and help you reach your goals. The recommendations given to you after a facial are to educate you and provide you with resources you need to reach your goals. Often times your esthetician will educate you on skin care products during your facial as she uses them on your skin. If you would rather her wait until the end, do not be afraid to say so. Never feel pressured to purchase a product if you aren’t ready. Product recommendations are there to help you achieve your goals and care for your skin, not push you into a frenzy of anxiety after your relaxing treatment.

TippingGratuity is not included in the price of your service. At least in North America, it is seen as the proper way to thank your therapist for her hard work and time. If you have received a discounted service, it is still customary to tip according to the regular price. If you are unsure what is a normal tip, don’t be afraid to ask the front desk receptionist.